Are you passionate about sports and photography? Here's your chance to combine both and win a trip to an EU capital! Plus, your winning photo could be showcased in exhibitions across six Western Balkan cities!
The WeBalkans Photo Contest celebrates youth, creativity, and connections across the region—with a special spotlight on the power of sport. Launched to highlight everyday stories of young people in the Western Balkans, the contest invites submissions capturing how sports shape identity, bring communities together, and inspire ambition. From local matches to quiet moments of training, hundreds of powerful images were submitted from all six entities. This exhibition brings those voices—and those visions—to life.
We're thrilled to present the 18 winning photos of the WeBalkans Photo Contest – "Ready. Steady. Our Europe!"
Out of more than 180 incredible submissions from young people across the Western Balkans, these standout photos captured the heart of the Jury: the power that sport has to bring Europeans together across borders, promote shared values, and celebrate diverse identities.
Each photo tells a unique story of movement, passion, and perspective—reflecting the creative energy of youth in the region.
📸 These photography gems will be showcased in a traveling exhibition across seven cities this summer, starting in Belgrade on 10 June.
💬 Stay tuned for the public online vote in August, where you'll get to choose your favorites—and help send six young photographers on a journey to an EU capital!
"Check out the award-winning photos below 👇
Their stories are here to inspire and move you."
Discover the Journey of Our Photo Contest Exhibition
As the Photo Contest ends, we're excited to bring the winning photographs across the Western Balkans. From vibrant city squares to cultural centers, the exhibition will travel to seven locations, celebrating creativity, regional spirit and unique stories.
Join us on this journey and explore the moments that represent the young voices from the region!
Stay tuned for more exhibition openings in the region!
A jury composed of influential photographers, photography vloggers, and journalists from the Western Balkans will evaluate the submissions.
The decision of the jury is final and not subject to appeal.
Armando Babani is a photojournalist with over 40 years of experience, specializing in news, sports, and political coverage. For 26 years, he worked with the European Press Photo Agency, documenting major global events and political figures such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
His lens has captured iconic moments from the Champions League finals, the World Cup, and the Olympics, as well as critical shifts in global economies, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now based in Tirana, Albania, Armando works as a freelancer, focusing on in-depth regional reporting with an emphasis on international relations, energy policy, and social issues. His extensive career has established him as a trusted voice in visual journalism.
Sulejman Omerbašić, born in Sarajevo in 1979, has worked as a professional photographer since 2004. His work spans publications, magazines, campaigns, and documentaries, with his photographs published in outlets such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Politiken.
He has collaborated with major agencies including AP, AFP, and Corbis Images, and received multiple awards, such as Photo of the Year in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2013). In 2016, he was recognized by Red Bull Illume as one of the top 150 action and adventure photographers in the world.
Specializing in reportage, portrait, sports, and photojournalism, Sulejman currently works with the EU Delegation to BiH, UNDP BiH, and Red Bull BiH. He holds the First-Class Photographer title from AUF BiH and is a prominent member of the BH Photographers Association.
Arben Llapashtica began his professional career in 2001 as a cameraman for Koha Vision (KTV), a national television station, where he now serves as the photography director.
As both author and cameraman, Arben has created dozens of documentaries, capturing key moments in Kosovo's modern history. Through his lens, he has documented the country's path to independence, post-war transition, riots, negotiations, and the International Court of Justice's ruling on Kosovo's status.
Since 2008, he has also worked as a professional photographer, providing services to a number of renowned institutions. His work has earned him over 20 awards for both video and photography, with exhibitions held in Kosovo and abroad.
Maja Lalatović holds a Specialist degree in International Relations from the Faculty of Political Sciences. With more than a decade of experience in human resources, communications, and event management, she has led teams at Azmont Investments, Molson Coors, and the Sea Dance Festival.
Maja brings expertise in talent management, internal communications, marketing, and corporate training. Fluent in English and proficient in Russian, she has also completed training in project management, social media, and cross-cultural communication. Deeply committed to community engagement, Maja is actively involved in Red Cross initiatives and scouting organizations.
Teodora Cvetkovska is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience and the host of Anekta, a TV show known for its insightful discussions on a wide range of topics. She began her media career as a reporter at Telma TV and has contributed to several other outlets, including SCOOP Macedonia.
Before becoming a journalist, Teodora worked as a nurse—an experience that gives her a unique perspective on health-related issues. She continues to engage her audience with thoughtful, impactful, and socially relevant content.
Aleksandar Krstanović is a seasoned sports journalist and editor at Sportska Centrala, the first sports news website in Serbia. He currently focuses on live coverage of sporting events through YouTube and other digital platforms.
With a career spanning major international tournaments- including the Olympics, FIFA and FIBA World Cups- Aleksandar is known for his in-depth reporting and interviews with leading athletes. His expertise covers a wide range of sports, with a particular focus on basketball, football, and tennis.
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